Although the beauty of winter snow can feel picturesque at first, the season’s blustering chills and fading greenery can have the best of us feeling blue at times. To kick those feelings to the curb, consider introducing biophilic design to your living space.
Biophilic design incorporates elements of nature into the built environment, bringing our surroundings indoors. Why? Because there’s evidence it makes us more productive and at peace.
Examples of biophilic design include adding houseplants, introducing natural light, buying furniture that matches your area’s geography, or even adding nature sounds like wind chimes.
Here are some ways you can incorporate biophilic design into your home:
Add houseplants to make your space feel alive.
Adding low-maintenance greenery such as snake plants, succulents or cacti can make your house brighter and more in tune with what you’d experience outside. Aside from the visual effects, plants are known to contribute to cleaner and healthier air to breathe, as well as reduce stress and increase productivity in people.
Use natural shapes and materials in your design.
Nature is filled with uneven shapes that appear more visually interesting than perfectly measured ones. Consider adding curved couches, chairs or tables to your decor, or adding arches into your build.
Also consider furniture pieces and finishing touches that incorporate naturally found materials, such as wood or stone. Exposure to wood in particular is thought to improve certain indicators of stress in humans.
Usher in natural light.
No matter what region you live in, you can bathe your home with natural light by incorporating the right windows and doors. From skylights and clerestory windows to French or sliding doors, you can work with a home building professional to figure out which works best for your space.
Add familiar colors to rooms you spend the most time in.
Hues of greens you’d see on budding plants, the serene blues found in a lake, ocean or river, and pops of fall’s
golden yellows are just a few examples of visually captivating, soothing and mood-lifting colors to add. Try them on your walls, furniture or even cabinetry.
Learn more about home improvement projects that can boost the atmosphere of your home. Contact your local home builders association HERE to find a professional near you.